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Opinions Wanted - Ancient Kauri ?

El Pescador keeps telling me to get some ancient Kauri wood for handle material.
Well, a couple weeks ago there was a couple here from New Zealand and they said the same thing.

What do you all think of this type of wood?
I have never seen it in person, just photos and they weren't very exciting.
Sure it's like 40 or 50,000 years old.
But...is that enough to make people want it for handle material?
and did I mention it is almost as expensive as Koa.

I look forward to your input.

BTW I have a couple pieces on the way so I can see it in person.
If it looks OK I will send it in to get stabilized.

I have worked with it a bit and have mixed feelings. The 'regular' quality actually looks a little bit more interesting after stabilizing because some subtle color variations come out more. On the other hand, I had a lot of pieces with internal cracks and what looked like deep scratches after final sanding. It also burns easily. But that all may have been lack of experience on my side, probably need to work slower and keep the tools sharp. What worked much better was the quality they sold me as 'whitebait'. That develops a nice finish and has a sheen to it that I have seen in very good mahogany. I agree, it is not the most exciting wood in the world, but it does contrast nicely with others. I would love to see some that is highly figured.

It's beautiful understated wood. Being a kiwi I'm interested in handles in this. A traditional combo that Maori carving has is with paua (abalone). I reckon a kauri handle with paua accents would look awesome!

It's beautiful understated wood. Being a kiwi I'm interested in handles in this. A traditional combo that Maori carving has is with paua (abalone). I reckon a kauri handle with paua accents would look awesome!